Azerbaijan’s fishing industry is closely tied to the Caspian Sea, which has long been a vital source of livelihood and food for the country. The most prized and historically significant catches are sturgeon species, particularly the beluga, Russian, and stellate sturgeons, which have made Azerbaijan famous for its caviar production. Overfishing and environmental changes have led to stricter regulations and a decline in sturgeon stocks in recent decades. Alongside sturgeon, other important fish include Caspian kutum, carp, pike-perch, and sprat. While the industry has faced challenges from pollution and resource depletion, fishing remains an important economic activity, with ongoing efforts to restore fish populations and modernize fishing practices.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Black and Caspian Sea sprat | 1,314 |
2 | Kutum | 94 |
3 | Mullets nei | 74 |
4 | Caspian shads | 68 |
5 | Roach | 60 |
6 | Common carp | 39 |
6 | Freshwater bream | 39 |
8 | Freshwater fishes nei | 35 |
9 | Crucian carp | 29 |
10 | Pike-perch | 16 |
11 | Cyprinids nei | 11 |
12 | Wels(=Som) catfish | 5 |
13 | Vimba bream | 3 |
14 | Asp | 2 |
15 | Northern pike | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.